Wildfires burn across the West

Richard Pitkethly, left, and Randy Loucks search for belongings in a home owned by Loucks' mother-in-law after a wildfire destroyed the structure in Pateros, Wash., on July 17. Loucks had just finished sprucing up the house with new paint and carpet as a surprise for his mother-in-law, who is visiting relatives in Arkansas. Stephen Brashear, Getty Images

Jana Witkowski, a lifeguard at a swimming pool, scoops up embers and ash in Leavenworth. The pool was closed due to the amount of burnt particles in the water. Don Seabrook, The Wenatchee World, via AP

A large smoke cloud rises over a wildfire in Seattle. Governors in Washington and Oregon have declared states of emergency, which enables state officials to activate the National Guard. Jordan Stead, seattlepi.com, via AP

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection firefighter Sergio Barajas, second from right, picks up his laundry at All American Tent Rental at the Shasta District fairgrounds in Anderson, Calif. Greg Barnette, The Record Searchlight, via AP

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Capt. Greg Alex, left, and forester Damon Denman work on the Next Generation Incident Command System at the Bully Fire base camp at the Shasta District fairgrounds in Anderson. Greg Barnette, The Record Searchlight, via AP